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On KNBR’s the Razor and Mr. T, Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young said Wednesday that former coach Mike Singletary deserves credit for the 49ers 9-2 record because many of Singletary’s players are now excelling and propelling the 49ers stunningly successful season.

However, Singletary’s input in selecting players was limited and when he did have input it wasn’t good. Singletary really wanted safety Taylor Mays and the 49ers took him in the second round of last year’s draft. Mays didn’t study enough, never understood the proper angles and dealt to the Bengals for a seventh round pick in 2012. Mays has gotten very little playing time in Cincinnati.

Singletary also didn’t like Patrick Willis when he came out of Ole Miss. Singletary admitted he was showed film of the Mississippi’s linebackers by former general manager Scot McCloughan and he didn’t isolate Willis as the best of the group.
In fact, most players either regressed or failed develop under Singletary. That’s what is surprising about this season, the fact that so many players have made huge strides this season under Harbaugh and his staff.

Nevertheless, someone does deserve notice for stocking the team with talent and its McCloughan and current general manager Trent Baalke. They provided the current coaching staff with the raw material to mold into a playoff contender.
Here’s a breakdown of the players both men fetched.

What’s remarkable is the influence Baalke has had in under two years time. He’s had a hand in 11 prominent players on a team that could make a big dent in the playoffs. Who has done better than that? It’s a reason Baalke should win NFL Executive of the Year.